The 8 Best Moisturizers

• Ingredients to Avoid – The best natural face moisturizers usually avoid concerning preservatives like parabens (butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparabe). In 2004, a British study found traces of parabens in breast tissue of women. Parabens are believed to mimic estrogen in the body (not good).
• Fragrance – Fragrances are another concern in skincare products. Fragrance can be made with thousands of different ingredients, many of which are of known concern and don’t require disclosure. Next time you’re in the beauty aisle of a store, flip over a facial moisturizer and you’ll probably find the vague term “fragrance” or “parfum” listed on the ingredient list.
• Safe Moisturizers – The goal is to use products, whether made with 100% natural ingredients or a mixture of naturals and synthetics, that are proven to be safe. A great resource for checking out skincare products and learning more about safe skincare ingredients is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database.

I’ve done the investigative work for you and rounded up the best natural face moisturizers. The ingredient formulas used to make the skincare products on this list are safe, potent and pure, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

1. Laurel Antioxidant Facial Serum

Laurel is known for making beautiful facial oils, called serums, which are the perfect blend of moisturizing ingredients.

• Who is this for? All skin types, particularly great for acne-prone skin or those looking for a lightweight daytime moisturizer.
• Notable: 100% whole plant skincare using slow-farmed ingredients. All oils used are raw, cold pressed, unrefined, and pressed fresh by the  farms that grow them.
• Price: $96 at Detox Market

2. True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil

True Botanicals is also well known for creating rich, moisturizing facial oils. True Botanicals makes three different oils, depending on your skin type.

• Who is this for? All skin types. The Clear Line helps to balance oily and breakout-prone skin. The Calm Line is for sensitive skin that helps soothe and comfort skin while giving it a gorgeous glow (also pregnancy safe, according to True Botanicals). The Renew Line helps target signs of aging (the top seller).
• Notable: MADE SAFE® certified without 6,500 toxins, vegan, sustainably sourced.
• Price: $110 at True Botanicals 

3. Blissoma Pure – Sensitive Care Complex

Blissoma makes 100% natural formulations that really work and are affordable. I love their serums and moisturizers. If you don’t have sensitive skin, check out other moisturizers from Blissoma.

• Who is this for? Ultra sensitive, combination, dry skin, reactive skin, and all ages.
• Notable: 17 active ingredients, made with herbs and soothing oils to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, D, E and Zinc.
• Price: $50 at Blissoma 

4. OSEA Advanced Protection Cream

OSEA focuses on using ingredients from the sea to create nourishing skincare formulas made with safe ingredients. They make my favorite natural face cleanser, too.

• Who is this for? Dry, sensitive, and aging skin.
• Notable: A super moisturizing cream with plant-derived amino acid DPHP, which visibly firms and plumps the skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines.
• Price: $108 at OSEA (use coupon code Livesimply for 10% off)

5. OSEA Blemish Balm Moisturizer

Another moisturizer from OSEA. OSEA is definitely a natural skincare company to add your favorites list.

• Who is this for? Oily, blemish-prone, and combination skin.
• Notable: Fast-absorbing moisturizer clarifies to promote an even skin tone with nutrient-rich seaweed and tea tree, juniper, and thyme essential oils.
• Price: $48 at OSEA (use coupon code Livesimply for 10% off)

6. Evan Healy Shea Butter

Evan Healy is sold in most Whole Foods stores, so if you have a store nearby it’s an easy line to find if you don’t want to order products online. Evan Healy products are holistic, organic, and inspired by the wisdom of nature (using botanical ingredients and herbs in their formulations). The moisturizer I’m highlighting today is for dry and sensitive skin. If you don’t fall in this category, they make a whole line up of moisturizers that are worth checking out.

• Who is this for? Dry, troubled & sensitive skin
• Notable: Rich in essential fatty acids, vital phyto-nutrients, and antioxidants. The shea butter used comes directly from the women of the Kpersi Village in Ghana.
• Price: $37.95 at Amazon

7. Homemade Shea Butter Moisturizer

Shea butter is a fantastic moisturizer and you can easily whip up your own shea butter facial moisturizer using just shea butter and a skincare oil. If you’re looking to save money, the DIY route can be the best way to do this.

• Who is this for? All skin types, particularly great during dry winter months.
• Notable: Shea butter contains linoleic acid and oleic acid, which easily absorb into the skin. Shea butter softens and moisturizes the skin, is rich in vitamins and minerals, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Price: $5-7 a jar, make this homemade recipe

8. 100% Pure Rose Water Hydrating Milk

100% Pure is a line of makeup and skincare products with a focus on producing the purest, healthiest products with the most nourishing formulations. This particular moisturizer is just one of their many moisturizer options, including a retinol overnight balm for aging skin.

• Who is this for? For all, dry skin types.
• Notable: Lightweight facial moisturizer made with rose hydrosol and hyaluronic acid for a deep hydration.
• Price: $44 at 100% Pure

Moisturizers For Your Lips

Lips can get particularly dry and chapped, here’s the best natural moisturizers for your lips that you can make at home.

• Shea Butter Lip Balm – Made with ultra-moisturizing shea butter, oil, and beeswax.
• Homemade Lip Balm – This easy recipe is the perfect way to make a custom lip balm.
• Lanolin Lip Balm – Lanolin is a sheep-based product that locks in moisture for ultimate relief.

Simplify Natural Skincare

SEE ALL

8 Best Natural Face Moisturizers For All Skin Types and Budgets

Best Non-Toxic Face Cleansers and Face Wash

The Best Non-Toxic Skincare Brands

Podcast 056: How to Nourish Your Skin with Jess Arnaudin

Podcast 036: Navigating Non-Toxic Skincare, Anti-Aging Skincare, and Natural Hair Care with Lisa from This Organic Girl

Where and How to Find Non-Toxic and Natural Skincare (and Body) Products

The post 8 Best Natural Face Moisturizers For All Skin Types and Budgets appeared first on Live Simply.

Why Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

Most of us wouldn’t think of going to bed without first washing off all the dirt, oils, grime, and makeup from the day. (PS: Here are the best natural face cleansers, in my opinion.)

This same idea should be applied to makeup brushes. Makeup brushes come into direct contact with not only skin but also makeup.

• Makeup brushes can collect dirt, grime, oils, and excess makeup. This may cause the brushes to not perform as well over time.
• Another issue with dirty makeup brushes is the spreading of dirt and oils (that lurk on the brushes) to the skin which can cause breakouts.

Just like with the face, it’s important to give those makeup brushes a good cleanse. This is essential for keeping your skin and brushes healthy.

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes

How often you clean your makeup brushes depends on how often you use them and also if your skin is actively breaking out.

• If you wear makeup on a daily basis (or regularly), then washing once a week or twice a month is a good idea. Personally, washing my makeup brushes once a week feels like way too much, so I go with twice a month (and sometimes once a month because #life).
• If you only wear makeup on an occasional basis, you may only need to wash your makeup brushes every so often.
• If your skin is actively breaking out, washing your makeup brushes once a week isn’t a bad idea. In the past, I struggled with hormonal acne after having my babies (well into my 30’s, like many women). During this time, I washed my makeup brushes once a week since the brushes were touching the breakouts on my face and I didn’t want the bacteria lingering on the brushes and potentially spreading and causing new breakouts on my face.

What About Makeup Sponges or Beauty Blenders?

Makeup sponges and beauty blenders are typically used wet, so it can be a breeding ground for bacterial growth. I recommend cleaning sponges and blenders daily, after every use. Using a squirt of castile soap and hot water should be good enough for a daily cleaning.

How to Make a DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

I originally shared this DIY makeup brush cleaner 6 years ago on Live Simply. I can’t believe it’s been that long! Since that time, this makeup brush cleaner has become one of the most popular recipes on the blog. Turns out we all really need to clean our makeup brushes. This recipe is super easy to make, budget-friendly, and uses easy-to-find ingredients to create an effective makeup brush cleaner that’s gentle and tough at the same time.

Print

DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

How to make an easy homemade makeup brush cleaner. Non-toxic and natural, this makeup brush cleaner works to remove dirt, grease, and other pore-clogging debris from makeup brushes. Use this makeup brush cleaner once a week or as often as needed.

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword DIY makeup brush cleaner, How to clean makeup brushes, Makeup Brush Cleaner, natural makeup brush cleaner

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 time use cleaner for one or multiple makeup brushes

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 2 TB witch hazel
• generous squirt castile soap

Instructions

• Mix the ingredients together in a drinking glass or small bowl.
• Add the makeup brushes to the mixture. Swish the brushes back and forth in the mixture and then let them soak for a few minutes.
• The mixture will go from clear to dirty very quickly. After a few minutes, remove the brushes, dump the solution, and rinse the brushes under fresh, clean water.
• Let the brushes rest on a towel to completely dry.

Notes

This makeup brush cleaner is designed to be made once and used for a one-time cleaning. If you want to make the recipe in advance and store it in a jar for multiple uses, see the original recipe.

The Best Makeup Brush Cleaner Ingredients

Witch hazel is an astringent that comes from a plant. It’s a naturally-derived ingredient that has been used for centuries for skin health and to fight off infections. This astringent will help remove foundation and other makeup residue from the brushes. If you don’t have any witch hazel, just use extra water and castile soap instead (I’ve done this many times).

Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from vegetable oils (olive, coconut, palm) and plant oils. It’s very effective at removing dirt and germs and will help loosen the dirt and oils from the makeup brushes. There are many ways to use castile soap.

Both products are easy to find online (via Amazon) or in stores (typically the body or pharmacy department).

Watch How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Break out your makeup brushes this weekend, make this DIY makeup brush cleaner, and enjoy the amazing feel and benefit of using freshly-clean makeup brushes. I think you’ll notice a difference in not only the application of your makeup but also the health of your skin.

The post The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes + DIY Recipe appeared first on Live Simply.

It can feel overwhelming to make the switch to non-toxic skincare products. If you’re currently feeling this way, I have a couple of tips to help you simplify this process…

• Baby steps. I’ve been on this journey for 10 years. It’s taken me 10 years to get to where I am today, and even now I’m still learning and growing and making changes. Small, intentional steps are the key to a long-term lifestyle. The goal is never some kind of perfection; rather, the goal is intentional living and progress.
• Start with the products you use regularly. Here’s the thing. You may want to switch over your entire bathroom cabinet right now, but doing so would cost a fortune and won’t give you time to find the products YOU love. I recommend slowly making changes, starting with one product at a time. Which product should you choose first? Start with the one you use most frequently and the one that comes in direct contact with your skin. Maybe this is lotion or foundation? Maybe this is your moisturizer? Maybe this is deodorant? Maybe this is toothpaste?

What to Look For in a Face Cleanser/ Face Wash

• An face cleanser shouldn’t be harsh or strip your skin of its own natural. beneficial oils. This stripping causes an imbalance of the skin-this can cause breakouts and other issues. Instead, it should clean your face, gently, by removing dirt and makeup (if you’re wearing makeup).
• Choose a product made by a company that’s transparent about ingredients. A company should be proud of the ingredients used and should clearly state these ingredients on packaging and their website. A company shouldn’t hide behind big mysterious words like fragrance. Instead, a company should be willing to share exactly what’s in a product and how it’s made. Here’s a good example of what to avoid by a “natural company.”
• Do your research. If you’re unsure about an ingredient (just because an ingredient is hard to pronounce doesn’t make it unsafe), use the Skin Deep Database from the EWG to look up the specific product or ingredient in question. This database provides information about the safety of ingredients and overall rating for products. I’ve already done this research for you and will share the best organic face washes and which natural face wash products are best (below). 
• Visit a natural and organic beauty store. A great way to browse the non-toxic face cleansers out there is to visit a site like The Detox Market. A place like the The Detox Market curates non-toxic products via their online shop, which makes it easy to see what’s out there.

How to Use a Face Cleanser / Face Wash

• Most cleansers will come with instructions so read the bottle and brand’s product page (on their website) to get the most of your cleanser of choice.
• I only use a facial cleanser at night. In the morning, I simply wash my face with water in the shower. There’s no need to use a cleanser on your face in the morning, unless you’re sweaty from working out (then a cleanser will be useful).
• The secret to using any face cleanser is to first massage the product on a damp face and then use a soft, wet washcloth to rinse off the cleanser and any dirt/makeup (rinse a couple of times, if needed). The cleanser will loosen dirt and cleanse the face, but it’s important to use a cloth to aid in the process. I use gray washcloths so they don’t show makeup or dirt.

Best Natural Face Cleansers

Which natural face cleansers are the best? Below, you’ll find what I consider to be the best natural face washes and cleansers, made with natural and organic ingredients, safe formulas, and zero known toxins.

1. Osea Ocean Cleanser

I’m going to start with the best cleanser out there. This Ocean Cleanser is gentle and great for sensitive skin (or any skin type), removes makeup, and leaves the skin feeling clean and hydrated. One bottle lasts a long time (for me, about 4 months) and the packaging is glass. Every so often I decide to switch up which cleanser I’m using, but ALWAYS return back to this product. It’s hands down the best cleanser I’ve ever used. You’ll only find OSEA products online, unless you have a green beauty store in your area like a Detox Market, Follain, or Credo Beauty. I asked OSEA if they would provide me with a discount code and they kindly did just that. Use code livesimply for 10% off. I also love their face masks!

2. Marie Veronique Gentle Gel Cleanser

Now, let’s talk about my second favorite facial cleanser, Marie Veronique Gentle Gel Cleanser. Marie Veronique makes several facial cleansers. Just like OSEA, this cleanser is super hydrating, gentle, and removes makeup. This cleanser is a few dollars cheaper than OSEA and one bottle does last a while. The best place to purchase Marie Veronique products is online, via the company’s website or The Detox Market (although they only sell a few of the products).

3. True Botanicals 

True Botanicals is a company that delivers amazing results. In fact, True Botanicals beat out Proactiv for clearing acne. I’ve tried all the True Botanicals face cleansers and they’re all fantastic! The natural cleanser you choose from this line depends on your skin type.  This company is cutting edge and makes products that are incredibly effective (including the best natural shampoo and conditioner) and “made safe” certified. I personally don’t use the natural cleanser from True Botanicals because I’m in love with OSEA cleanser, but I have used it in the past. That said, I do use True Botanicals in my skincare routine. The Pure Radiance Oil is liquid gold and a great natural moisturizer for the morning and evening.

5. Evan Healy Tea Tree Cleanser or Milk Cleanser

I found this brand at Whole Foods two years ago and instantly fell in love. The ingredients are botanically based, the packaging is beautiful (and glass), and the brand goes on sale a few times a year at Whole Foods (a good time to stock up and save!). I’ve tried both the Tea Tree Cleanser and Milk Cleanser with good success. Evan Healy products can be found at health food stores, Amazon, and Whole Foods. I also love this company’s shea moisturizer with olive leaf (for a thick nighttime moisturizer–so good!) and hydrosols (use after a face cleanser, as a toner, and before moisturizing).

6. One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser 

This cleanser is another affordable option ($25) that can be used on the body and face and will also remove makeup. It comes in a plastic bottle, unlike many of the options above which come in glass (I know this is important for some folks). It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry skin since it won’t dry out or strip your skin. One Love Organics can be found online, via natural beauty stores like The Detox Market.

7. Acure Organics Gel Cleanser or Cream Cleanser

Acure Organics is a great budget-friendly brand. I’ve tried the cleansing gel in the past and enjoyed it. They also make a cream cleanser. Acure can be found at Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, and some health food stores.

8. Blissoma Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover

My esthetician introduced me to this line of natural skincare products. Everything I’ve tried from this brand is fantastic and very affordable for such a clean, natural skincare line.  The cleanser is very gentle and won’t strip the skin, while also tough enough to remove dirt, oils, and makeup at the end of a long day. I also recommend the moisturizers from this line (the Sensitive Care Moisturizer is the one I love). If you’re prone to breakouts and have acne prone skin, the Smoothing A+ Correcting Serum is made with 4% niacinamide, herbs, and vitamin A and perfect for calming flare ups. I use this before bed, after a face cleanser and toner and before moisturizing for hormonal acne.

Best Homemade Face Cleaners / Face Wash

Let’s transition to a few homemade or do-it-yourself organic facial cleansers. The natural face wash products on this list are made with natural ingredients. All the products are budget-friendly and super easy to make at home.

1. (Do-It-Yourself) Honey and Aloe Vera Cleanser

This cleanser uses the antibacterial and humectant power of honey to cleanse and hydrate the skin. I recommend using a makeup remover before this cleanser.

2. (Do-It-Yourself) Cleansing Grains

If you’re looking for an exfoliant/cleanser/mask all in one, this is cleanser is for you. To make a facial cleanser, combine the cleansing grains (a powder made from ground oats and clay) with a liquid and then massage the grains on the skin. I recommend using a makeup remover before using the grains. You can also use cleansing grains just for exfoliation a couple times a week to remove dead skin cells.

3. (Do-It-Yourself) Basic Natural Face Wash

If you’re looking for more of a soapy cleanser, this is a great option. This easy-to-customize recipe starts with a castile soap base and then builds from there, based on your preferences. Castile soap can cause the skin to feel dry and tight, so if you have dry skin or you’re looking for extra hydration, this cleanser may not be your best option.

4. Just Honey

Honey is a simple organic face wash that may be used on its own. It may seem slightly odd to use honey to wash your face, but it’s a practice that’s been around for ages. Honey washes away impurities and hydrates the skin.

If you love a particular face cleanser/face wash, share your experience in the comments. I love learning about new brands and products from you all.

If you love a particular face cleanser/face wash, share your experience in the comments. I love learning about new brands and products from you all.

The post Best Non-Toxic Face Cleansers and Face Wash appeared first on Live Simply.

If you’re looking for a place to save in your non-toxic skincare routine, going with a homemade cleanser is a great option. I recommend investing/splurging on a good face oil or cream moisturizer (my favorites right now are Laurel for a face oil and OSEA for a more traditional cream moisturizer) and then saving money on the cleanser and toner (I love rosewater by Cocokind).

Using honey to wash your face is a budget-friendly way to do this, but don’t let the minimal cost of this face wash fool you into thinking it doesn’t pack in amazing skincare benefits.

Why Use Honey to Wash Your Face

It may seem slightly odd to use this sticky substance to wash your face, but it’s a practice that’s been around for ages. According to the authors of Honey: A therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin,  “Honey has been recognized around the world for its healing properties with records of its therapeutic use dating back to 2000 B.C.”

• Honey (and milk) is believed to have been used by Cleopatra as a face wash.
• The Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used honey as a treatment for wounds and burns.
• Today, honey is used all over the world as a skincare ingredient and to cleanse the skin and treat skin conditions (like eczema).

Honey has been used this way because of its amazing benefits.

The benefits of honey…

• rich in antioxidants
• has antibacterial properties (check out this article from the National Institutes of Health)
• a natural preservative
• a humectant, which means it has moisturizing properties 
• is soothing
• doesn’t strip the skin (like many commercial face washes and soaps) and works to regulate the pH of the skin, which is essential for healthy skin function
• it’s relatively cheap, considering the multi-purpose nature of this ingredient

When honey is used as a face wash (or part of a skincare routine, say as a face mask), honey can leave the skin cleansed, nourished, hydrated, and glowing. Honey can be fantastic for all skin types, particularly acne-prone skin and aging skin due to the antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

How to Wash Your Face with Honey

Let’s get super practical. A few months ago, my video guy came over to shoot a video on how to use honey to wash your face (the video was for an olive oil company, not Live Simply which is why there isn’t a video in this post). I’ll never forget the stunned look on his face when I told him that our next shot was of me washing my face with honey. “Ummm, how are you going to do that?” was his reaction.

I get it. Washing your face with honey may seem a bit different, particularly if you’re used to conventional face wash products with sudsing and foaming agents or even just a bar soap. Suds are not essential for face cleansing. You won’t get the same experience when using honey, but it’s easy to get past this once you experience how your skin feels and looks after using honey as a face wash.

What You Need

Raw, unfiltered honey: This kind of honey is going to be the best choice as it hasn’t been heated so its full of beneficial properties. You can find this at farmer’s markets, via a Google search for raw honey, or in grocery stores.

How to Wash Your Face

• Before washing: If the honey comes in a large bottle or jar, you may want to pour some honey into a smaller jar so you can keep it in your bathroom. I love a small 4-ounce mason jar or Weck jar with a tight lid (to keep ants and bugs out). A small jar will make it easier to use the honey as a face wash.
• Before washing: Remove makeup. You can do this by applying a small amount of oil (like jojoba oil) to a cotton ball and then wiping your face with the cotton ball. Or, you can make a homemade makeup remover–I share my favorites in this post.
• 1st: Splash your face with warm water so it’s damp.
• 2nd: Pour a small amount of honey into the palm of your hand (you can also use a small spoon to scoop the honey from the jar).
• 3rd: Massage the honey onto your face using your hands, just as you would a commercial face wash.
• 4th: After spending a few seconds massaging your face with honey, run a washcloth under fresh, warm water. Use the washcloth to gently remove the honey from your face, neck, and hands. Rinse the washcloth as needed, repeating until all honey has been removed.
• 5th: Follow up with a toner (I love this rosewater toner from Cocokind) and moisturizer. I love any of the oils from Laurel Skin and this OSEA moisturizer (coupon code Livesimply takes $10 off any $90 purchase from OSEA). During the day, I use oil as a moisturizer (Laurel) and at night I use both an oil and the OSEA moisturizer for extra hydration.

I only wash my face at night, before bed, with face wash (such as this honey). In the morning, I splash my face with water or rinse my face with water in the shower. This is up to you and what works for you, your skin, and lifestyle (if you workout and sweat in the am, etc.).

Honey Face Wash Recipes

You don’t need to make a face wash “product.” You can simply use honey, as-is, as a face wash (as we talked about above). But if you want something more or just don’t love the idea of using straight up honey on your face, here are a couple of ideas…

• Honey Face Wash: This is a nice option for someone who wants the suds of a face wash. With this option, you don’t need to remove makeup first. Combine 1/3 cup liquid castile soap, 1/3 cup honey, 3 tablespoons distilled water, and 2 tablespoons of jojoba or sweet almond oil in a soap dispenser bottle. Give the bottle a shake and use as a face wash.
• Honey and Aloe Cleanser: If you don’t want all the stickiness of honey, try this option. I’ve found that you don’t need to remove makeup first with this option, unless you’re wearing a heavy amount. Mix 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Mix the ingredients together in a jar, pour or spoon into your hand and use as a face wash.

Maybe you already have a beloved face wash (there are some fantastic non-toxic cleansers out there) and switching to honey isn’t for your right now. You can still incorporate honey into your skincare routine by making a honey mask. Here are two of my favorite honey face masks.

• Honey and Spirulina Face Mask (the Glow Mask): Combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder. Mix together and apply to face. Let rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Read about spriulina and how to make this mask here.
• Honey and Yogurt Mask: Combine 1 tablespoon plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply the mask to your face, let rest for 20 minutes, then rinse off. This is one of my favorite weekly masks! Read about the benefits of using yogurt as a face mask here.

The post How to Wash Your Face with Honey appeared first on Live Simply.

Here, at Live Simply, we focus on wellness from a natural approach. Part of this focus is what we put on and in our body.

When it comes to skincare products, which make up a large part of what we put on our skin, we focus on using products that are not only made with proven-to-be-safe ingredients but also ingredients that nourish and give to the skin.

If you’ve explored the world of clean, green, natural products–whatever the current buzz word is today for these products–then you probably know that many of these products are not exactly cheap or inexpensive. This is understandable as these products are made with ingredients that can be expensive to source and most products aren’t cut with filler ingredients like so many of the products on the market today.

Going the DIY route is many times more cost effective. However, sometimes this isn’t possible or you may just love the results of a particular product from a trusted skincare brand. I’ve found the best solution is to find balance between making some products and purposely splurging on products you absolutely LOVE and just can’t mimic at home.

For me, my splurges are on facial oils (True Botanicals, Laurel, and Blissoma are my favorite brands for this), face cleanser (OSEA is my favorite), and serums for specific skincare needs (for example I love the Intensive Repair Serum from Marie Veronique).

When it comes to DIYing, I save money by making most of my facial masks at home. I’ve found this is an easy way to save a few dollars and also play around with skincare ingredients. Today’s yogurt mask is one of my favorites to make.

Yogurt face mask benefits

I originally learned about using yogurt as a face mask from one of my favorite skincare brands, Marie Veronique. Marie is a chemist and an OG (original) in the green beauty world. She knows her stuff and her products are AMAZING!

Marie and Kristina Holey (her business partner) are big into education, particularly education about the microbiome of the skin and how to care for the skin in a way that nourishes and protects the ecosystem of the skin. Everything I’ve learned about yogurt masking comes from Marie.

Benefits of using yogurt on the skin…

• provides fatty acids, beneficial bacteria, and vitamins and minerals which can soften the skin and provide a glowy, rejuvenated appearance
• provides zinc to cool and calm the skin
• works as an anti-inflammatory which can be beneficial for the beginning stages of a breakout
• provides a very small amount of lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) which can provide a very small amount of exfoliation (dissolving dead skin cells)
• while the lactic acid can provide a small amount of exfoliation, its biggest benefit is providing nutrients to help balance and stabilize the skin

Which yogurt is best for face masks?

The best yogurt to use for a face mask is full fat, plain, and organic. Also, make sure the yogurt contains active live cultures (this should be stated on the ingredient list), particularly strains of lactic acid bacteria or Bifidobacterium. Goat’s milk yogurt does contain more benefit, but I personally don’t purchase goat’s milk yogurt so I stick to cow’s milk yogurt.

An alternative is kefir (which is much thinner, more of a drinkable yogurt). I use kefir to make smoothies, yogurt tubes for the kids, and ranch dip.

If you are truly allergic to dairy, then it’s best to avoid dairy on your skin. In this case, choose a plain plant-based yogurt that contains active live cultures. You won’t get the full benefit like you would with a cow or goat’s milk yogurt, but there will still be some benefit due to the bacteria in the yogurt itself.

Yogurt mask tips and tricks

To apply a yogurt mask…

First, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt from the container into a small bowl. At this point, you can use the yogurt as-is for a face mask or mix it with an add-in that we’ll talk about in the next section.

Next, use your fingertips (or a mask brush) to apply a small amount of yogurt to the face, continuing to work until the face (and neck, if preferred) are covered. The mask should feel refreshing since the yogurt is cold–another benefit! Allow the mask to rest on your face for 20 minutes.

Finally, rinse the yogurt from the face using a warm, damp washcloth.

After using the yogurt mask, apply toner and your favorite moisturizer. The yogurt mask may be applied 1-2 times a week.

Yogurt mask customizations

You can use yogurt as-is for a face mask or you can mix it with other add-ins depending on the benefit you’re looking for. This is a great way to experiment with a DIY face mask. Here are a few suggestions that you can add to the yogurt before applying on the face. You can add one mix-in or multiple options together.

• Honey: Add a teaspoon of honey to the yogurt. Honey is particularly hydrating for dry skin.
• Cacao or cocoa powder: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cacao or cocoa powder for the antioxidant benefits.
• Lavender: Add a drop of lavender essential oil to soothe and calm the skin.
• Aloe vera gel: Add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera (fresh or I love this brand if you’re going with a preserved aloe) to soothe and calm the skin.
• Spirulina: Add 1/2 teaspoon of this edible bacteria that is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals.
• Turmeric: Add 1/2 teaspoon of this anti-inflammatory spice to help calm inflammation.

While all of these variations may be used as a face mask, when mixed with the yogurt base, the honey and turmeric mixtures also make for a great acne spot treatment.

More DIY skincare recipes

• Honey and Sugar Body Scrub: A hydrating and exfoliating body scrub.
• Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser: An affordable DIY face cleanser. Great for most skin-types.
• Homemade Eye Masks: Calm and soothe puffy, tired eyes with cucumber and mint.
• Winter Minty Mocha Mask: A chocolate yogurt mask with a cooling peppermint tingle.

Print

DIY Yogurt Mask

A nutrient-rich face mask made with bacteria-rich plain yogurt. Use the yogurt as-is or mix the yogurt with your choice of add-ins to make a custom face mask.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 face mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1-2 TB plain whole milk yogurt choose organic, if possible, and yogurt with active live cultures, particularly strains of lactic acid bacteria or Bifidobacterium (will be listed on the ingredient list)

Optional Add-Ins (choose one or multiple):

• 1 tsp honey hydrating
• 1/2-1 tsp cacao or cocoa powder antioxidant-rich
• 1 drop lavender essential oil calming and soothing
• 1 tsp aloe vera gel calming and soothing
• 1/2 tsp spirulina powder antioxidant and mineral-rich
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric anti-inflammatory (will stain, so be cautious with towels and garments)

Instructions

• Add the yogurt to a small bowl.
• Stir in any additional add-in desired (from the list above), or just use the yogurt as a face mask.
• Use your fingertips to apply the yogurt on the face (and neck, if desired). The yogurt should instantly feel cool and refreshing on the skin as it will be cold.
• Let the yogurt rest on the face for 20 minutes.
• Use a warm, damp washcloth to gently remove the yogurt mask.
• Apply your favorite toner (I love rosewater from CocoKind) and moisturizer (True Botanicals or Blissoma facial oils are my favorite).
• The yogurt mask may be applied 1-2 times a week. 

The post DIY Yogurt Face Mask: Rejuvenating & Anti-Inflammatory appeared first on Live Simply.

Well, that’s alarming.

There are 80,000 chemicals on the market today, but many of these chemicals don’t have any safety data to back them up. This is particularly an issue in the skincare, beauty, and cleaning industry.

When you take a deep dive into researching these products and ingredients, it can be concerning to read about the impact they have on the body.

For example, “fragrance” is considered a trade secret that is commonly found on the ingredient list of products.

Most of us are fooled into believing (thanks to marketing and imagery) that the rose fragrance found in our favorite facial cream is derived from roses grown on a picturesque farm in France. But that’s not the case…

This ingredient can be made with hundreds of different chemicals, including phthalates which are believed to disrupt hormones, cause reproductive health issues, be carcinogenic, and may be linked to asthma.

Since fragrance is a “trade secret,”companies are not required to list the ingredients used to make their formulations. (See an example here.)

Fragrance is just one example of the questionable ingredients used to make skincare and beauty products. The very products marketed to us as “safe.”

How to Make The Switch to Non-Toxic and Natural Skincare Products

Now that we’ve talked about the sneaky side of the beauty/body industry, let’s focus our attention on changes we can make.

While it would be great to see change in the regulation of beauty products, and we can certainly advocate for such changes, that change isn’t here just yet.

So let’s focus on the steps we can take right now that make a direct impact on the products we use on our skin and in our home.

There are two ways to go about this…

Make your own products (there are many recipes here on the blog and even more in my body book)

Buy products from transparent companies doing things differently (or as they should be doing)

What You Need to Know About the Natural Beauty Industry

First, cost…

The prices on most non-toxic skincare brands and products that are made with safe-for-you-ingredients aren’t going to be the cheapest. The do-it-yourself route can be more affordable, but DIYing isn’t an option for everything, particularly when talking about hair products or SPF face products.

Second, the term “clean beauty” or “non-toxic skincare” has zero regulation behind it…

Just about any company can claim to be “clean” or “green” or “natural.”

The EWG and Think Dirty can be helpful resources when looking at specific products and ingredients. I’ve also found that it’s helpful to get to know companies (ask questions, ask for full disclosure of ingredients and why ingredients are used) and continually support the ones that are 100% transparent. (Check out this post for an example of a correspondence I had recently with a company that claims to be “natural” and “clean” but isn’t transparent–a big warning sign!)

The Best Non-Toxic Skincare Products and Brands

The following list is what I consider at the moment (as there are always new companies emerging or companies I don’t know about yet) to be the best of the best in the green beauty industry for skincare products. If you love a brand that’s not featured on this list, please leave a comment and share.

You don’t need to swap out all of your skincare products at once. The key to sustainable change is baby steps. And you don’t need to make the switch to one of my favorite non-toxic skincare brands. I’m simply sharing this list to provide a place to start, a list of brands that I personally love and buy from.

NATURAL EVERYTHING BODY

• Dr. Bronner’s: Bar and liquid body soap and toothpaste
• Plant Apothecary: A variety of body wash scents
• Schmidts: My favorite deodorant brand. Check out all the brands I’ve tried and enjoyed over the years, here.
• All Good: Body Lotion and sunscreen
• OSEA: Body oil (a great alternative to lotion)
• True Botanicals: Body oil (a great alternative to lotion)
• Suntegrity: Sunscreen for the face and body. I like the stick version which I keep in my purse for running/walking. Check out other great sunscreen options, here.
• David’s: My favorite toothpaste. The closest thing to Crest that I can find. Check out more toothpaste options, here.
• Aila: The best nail polish.

NATURAL FACE SKINCARE

• Marie Veronique: I was introduced to this brand to help calm hormonal acne. Marie is an OG in the green beauty world (before it was cool) and an amazing chemist. My favorite products are the Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist (use as a toner), Intensive Repair Serum (great for hormonal acne), and facial cleanser.
• True Botanicals: Great for aging and acne-prone skin. Just an all-around fantastic skincare line. I love the True Radiance Oil for a facial moisturizer.
• Blissoma: This is a company I was recently introduced to thanks to my holistic esthetician. I love the Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover,  Flawless Clear Condition Facial Oil and Sensitive Care Moisturizer for a moisturizer, Smooth A Correcting Serum for acne prone skin and calming breakouts (apply before a moisturizer), and the exfoliators.
• OSEA: The Ocean Cleanser is my favorite cleanser of all time. This company makes all-around fantastic skincare products. Use coupon code livesimply to take 10% off an order of $90+.
• CocoKind: I love this brand’s toners (applied after a facial cleanser and before a moisturizer). I use the Raspberry Vinegar Toner. The Rosewater Toner is also fantastic.
• Laurel: Fantastic facial oils (to use a moisturizer)
• Osmia: Blemish oil for spot treatment and face cream.
• Leahlani: Amazing face masks and exfoliators, serums, and facial oils.
• Josh Rosebrook: I love the Cacao Antioxidant Face mask and Daily Acid Toner. Everything Josh makes is amazing.
• Evan Healy: An herbal line of natural skincare found at Whole Foods and on Amazon. I love the shea butter moisturizer (a great night moisturizer), face cleanser, and hydrosols (for toner).

NATURAL MAKEUP 

• Josh Rosebrook: Makes a great tinted SPF moisturizer.
• ILIA: My favorite foundation when I want something for going out: true skin foundation and the best tinted moisturizer. I also like the brow gel and mascara.
• Alima Pure: foundation setting powder to go over foundation
• W3LL People: My favorite all-around makeup company that’s affordable and functional. I use the setting powder, bronzer powder, brow gel, and concealer. Their mascara is also fantastic. This is my daily go-to makeup.
• Kosas: I love the tinted facial oil as a foundation. Light and breathable coverage.
• Honest Beauty: I love the cream blush from this brand. They also make the best mascara. And kudos points for affordability and being easy to find (Target, etc.)
• BeautyCounter: Okay, I’ll be honest. I’m not a huge fan of this brand (and yes, I’ve tried many of their products and even signed up to be a rep with them when they first got started). That said, I do think they have the best eye shadow on the market.

The post The Best Non-Toxic Skincare Brands appeared first on Live Simply.

Jess shares how to create a skincare ritual, how to navigate store-bought products and what to avoid, and how to determine what to buy versus make for your skincare routine.

• What is a holistic view of skincare?
• Plant-based skincare myths or objections
• What does a plant-based skincare ritual look like?
• The step-by-step of building a plant-based skincare ritual
• How to find “clean” skincare products in the store
• How to determine what to buy versus make
• How to make homemade skincare products
• How to make homemade skincare products safely
• An easy homemade skincare product you can make with pantry ingredients

• Jess Arnaudin Website
• Follow Jess Arnaudin on Instagram
• Mountain Rose Herb

The post Podcast 056: How to Nourish Your Skin with Jess Arnaudin appeared first on Live Simply.

Today, I’m going to share one of my favorite homemade face masks. It’s made with just two kitchen ingredients (spirulina and honey). Think of this face mask as a nutrient-rich green smoothie for the skin.

In my late 20 years, after having two babies and starting this blog (a time of tremendous stress on my body, some being natural stress and some self-induced stress), my hormones went crazy. Crazy as in everything was out of balance and my stress levels were through the roof (not sleeping much and working way too hard on a passion project while also nursing a baby and raising a toddler will do that).

All of this brought about adult acne, weight gain, and constant fatigue. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been learning how to take care of myself, starting with prioritizing sleep and learning to say no to doing “all the things.” As my body has healed, my skin has healed as well.

This is where my deep love for skincare products comes from. Over the past few years, I’ve made the switch to non-toxic products. At first, this switch was all about using safer ingredients, but, now, it’s about so much more.

I’ve come to love non-toxic skincare products because of how they’ve transformed my skin. Most of these products are rich in botanical ingredients that are active and potent, and, when used on the skin, they nourish and give to the skin which results in healthy and happy skin.

One of the products I’ve been obsessed with recently is the Mermaid Mask from Leahlani Skincare.

First, Leah’s products are amazing! I use her Ambrosia Elixir as a makeup primer (under my foundation) and love her HoneyLove Exfoliator. Her products are made with potent ingredients that give to and nourish the skin.

The Mermaid Mask is a rich green facial mask made with spirulina. It’s literally like a green smoothie for your face!

A few months ago, I ran out of the Mermaid Mask and, at the same time, was on a spending freeze. Darn budget goals! Since I couldn’t just hop on the internet and order another jar of the Mermaid Mask, I decided to go to my kitchen cabinet and see what I could make at home.

With some spirulina powder and raw honey, I whisked together a quick face mask. This simple mask felt luxurious and after 10 minutes it also proved to be effective. The end result was a kind of glow that comes about after feeding your skin with nutrient-rich ingredients. In this case, those ingredients were spirulina and honey.

Before sharing this incredibly simple “glow mask,” let’s talk about the ingredients and why they work.

Honey is a wonderful food to apply to the skin because it’s rich in antioxidants as well as antibacterial and hydration properties. This in turns leaves the skin nourished, hydrated, and glowing. It’s also super gentle so it doesn’t strip the skin.

Honey is particularly great for acne-prone, dry, and aging skin.

When it comes to using honey on the skin, I recommend going with raw honey. This kind of honey is going to be the best choice as it hasn’t been heated so its full of beneficial properties.

Beyond using spirulina on the skin, you can also add it to smoothies as it is edible and a great source of nutrients. You can find spirulina online and in most health food stores (look in the supplement or bulk spice section).

To make the mask, simply add honey and spirulina to a small bowl, then stir. You can use your finger or a small spoon. It’s your choice. If you need something extra to thin down the mixture, you can add a few splashes of filtered water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

This mask makes enough for a one-time use. The mask is intended to be used all over your face and neck and, if you want, chest. This mixture isn’t meant to be bottled and saved.

To apply the mask, I like to use my fingers but if you’d prefer a less messy option, a face mask brush is the best option. Either way, massage the mask all over your face (avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids), as well as the neck and, if desired, the chest. If you just apply the mask to the face and neck, you’ll be able to wash it off at the sink. If you go down to the chest, you’ll need to rinse it off in the shower.

Let the mask rest on the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with water and enjoy that post-mask glow!

Print

Spirulina and Honey Face Mask

A spirulina and honey face mask that leaves the skin with a healthy, youthful glow. Great for acne-prone, aging, and dry skin.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 face mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 tsp honey preferably a runny raw honey
• 1/2 tsp spirulina powder
• water optional

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix together the honey and spirulina powder. Add a splash of water (or a few splashes) to reach a thinner consistency (if desired).

To Use:

• Start with a clean face that's been washed with a gentle cleanser. Then apply your toner mist. Now, it's time to apply the mask. I like to use my fingers, but if you'd prefer a less messy route, a face mask brush is the best option. Either way, massage the mask all over your face (avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids), as well as the neck and, if desired, the chest. If you just apply the mask to the face and neck, you'll be able to wash it off at the sink. If you go down to the chest, you'll need to rinse it off in the shower.
• Let the mask rest on the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with water and enjoy that post-mask glow! Follow-up with your moisturizer. You can read about my favorite skincare products in this post.

The post Spirulina and Honey Face Mask (The Glow Mask) appeared first on Live Simply.

Fast forward to my late twenties with two babies and a growing real food blog. I was trying to be “all things to all people.” I wasn’t sleeping due to motherhood and the desire to work non-stop on my new passion. I also stopped exercising and let stress rule my life.

During this time, I neglected myself. I’m talking about hard-core neglect. The neglect, and probably the years of eating processed food and using toxic skin products, eventually caught up with me via weight gain, acne, dark patches on my face, a hormone imbalance and gut issues (both of which I didn’t know about at the time), and major fatigue. My skin also began showing signs of premature aging. These should have been major red flags for me, but they weren’t. I figured this was just what mom life was all about. My doctor at the time agreed, “You’re just a tired mom. You’ll be fine.” 

Right after my daughter turned three, I saw a picture of myself on Facebook. I didn’t recognize myself. I looked tired and my skin and eyes didn’t have the same glow they once radiated. I made a decision that day to start taking better care of myself. No more skipped meals (ever wonder why I’m such an advocate for prepping food) or exercise, letting stress rule my life, using toxic skin products, or staying up until the wee hours to get stuff done. 

Once I started taking care of my body, my skin slowly began to improve as well. I like to think of this as a ripple effect. I’m finally at a place on my journey where I’m happy with my skin. My skin isn’t perfect, but perfection isn’t my goal. I have scars and still get the occasional breakout. My goal is healthy skin. And right now, my skin feels and looks healthy.

It’s been quite the journey to get to this place. A journey I’m still on, because taking care of myself is a daily commitment. In fact, if I’ve learned anything from my skin woes, it’s that I need to actively pursue taking care of my body. Nobody is going to do this for me. This is my job. I only get one body. 

I’ve received many messages from reader friends who feel frustrated with their skin. This topic is near to my heart, because I’ve had skin issues and I know my skin issues could easily return. I know what it’s like to wonder, “Why me? How can I be this old and have skin issues like this!” and wonder if my skin will ever improve. I know what it’s like to deal with confidence issues due to acne and scars. 

The skin is a complex organ, and every person is different. And it can serve as a reflection of our body’s overall health. There certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all prescription. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way over the years. So while I can’t offer such a plan, I can share what’s helped me–based on my own experimentation and working with professionals (naturopathic and functional medicine doctors and an esthetician). Today’s list is a compilation of the top practices that I believe have played a critical role in improving my skin. This list isn’t meant to diagnose, cure, or treat any condition. 

Practice 1: Focus on Gut Health

The gut-skin connection is fascinating. If you’re new to this idea, I highly recommend reading the book, The Beauty of Dirty Skin. The author is a dermatologist and her research on the gut-brain-skin connection is easy to understand and practical.

Supporting the microbiome in my gut with probiotic-rich foods and a probiotic supplement (something my esthetician recommends to all her clients) has played a significant role in improving my skin health. Probiotic-rich foods, include: kefir, plain yogurt with active cultures, some soft fermented cheese (real parmesan, cheddar, gouda, etc.), sauerkraut or kimchi, kombucha. My favorite probiotic supplement is from Garden of Life (this one, although I recommend purchasing it from the store since it needs to be refrigerated). This particular supplement is a prebiotic (feeds the microflora already in the gut) and probiotic (adds beneficial microflora to the gut). 

Along with focusing on probiotics, I recently took a gut test (stool test from DiagnosTechs)–a request from my functional medicine doctor. (My skin had significantly improved over the last couple of years. Something still seemed a bit “off,” so a functional medicine doctor was my next step.) This test provided an incredibly comprehensive look at my gut (even revealing a few parasites), and also showed that my gut wasn’t responding well to gluten. I removed all gluten for a set time period (3 months) and took a few supplements (Restore, Perm A Vite, Colostrum LD)  to aid in healing my gut. I also started taking a digestive enzyme with every meal (something my doctor recommends to all patients).

I’ve slowly started to bring gluten back into my diet, but only ancient grains and sourdough and in limited amounts (a couple of times a week). In the past, my skin would breakout when consuming heavy amounts of gluten, particularly processed gluten (highly-processed grains). I don’t have this same reaction to ancient grains or sourdough breads.

If you’ve tried everything and you still feel like something is “off” when it comes to your skin health, I highly recommend seeing a functional medicine doctor who will take a look at the body as a whole.

Practice 2: Sleep 

It’s fascinating how much of an impact sleep can have on the overall appearance of my skin. To help me sleep, I take magnesium (the Whole Foods brand, or Natural Calm) and shut off all electronics an hour before bed (including social media). Eight hours is my “sweet spot.”

Practice 3: Eat Real Food

This is the premise that Live Simply was built on. It’s the three words that changed my family’s life. We spend a lot of time talking about real food around here, so I’m not going to spend a lot of time on this practice.  If you’re new to real food, or want a refresher, here’s a helpful chart. Listen to this podcast about what real food is, what real food is not, and what real food looks like. 

Real food is wholesome, nutrient-rich, and simple. A real food lifestyle avoids overly-processed food products. How can you spot an overly-processed food product? Well, the ingredient list usually reads more like an advanced college textbook than a recipe. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, and you wouldn’t use them in your own kitchen, your body probably won’t recognize them either.

Practice 4: Supplement

I believe that real food should be our main source of nutrients and vitamins and minerals. And while real food is the ideal source for these things, sometimes we may need to use supplements to get what we need. I take a few supplements specifically for supporting my skin: Vitamin D3 (1000mg), Vitamin C (1000mg daily), zinc (10-15 mg daily), and cod liver oil (2 pills). I started routinely taking these supplements after listening to The Beauty of Dirty Skin and getting my blood work results back from my functional medicine doctor. Garden of Life is my favorite supplement brand at the moment. I also take a digestive enzyme and probiotic, as mentioned in the gut health practice. This podcast provides excellent information on the why and what to use for supplementation. 

Practice 5: Nourishing Skincare Routines

Along with taking care of the gut and eating nourishing foods, it’s important to use products that will nourish the skin versus harm it.

I’m a firm believer in the importance of daily sun protection. I use a SPF tinted moisturizer from W3LL People almost daily. I wrote a whole post on non-toxic sunscreen options over here.

When you have skin issues, like acne, it’s hard to go without makeup, but allowing the skin to breathe at least once a week is important. Go makeup free as often as you can, and remove your makeup at night before settling into bed.

Also, I‘ve been going to the same esthetician for a number of years now. She’s seen me through it all, and she’s been incredibly helpful with her tips and advice. If it’s in your budget, I recommend finding an esthetician that doesn’t push products on you, and one that’s more naturally-minded. In the beginning, I was able to afford a twice a year facial with Yana. Slowly, I was able to increase to quarterly facials. Right now, I visit Yana every two months. 

Want to see my non-toxic, nourishing skincare routine in action? Watch the video below.

My Basic Morning Routine: 1. Wash face with water 2. Marie Veronique Pre and Probiotic Mist (Toner) 3. True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (my absolute favorite skincare product) 4. (If wearing makeup that day, I use this primer before applying foundation) Leahlani Aloha Ambrosia Elixir

My Basic Evening Routine: 1. OSEA Face Cleanser 2. Marie Veronique Pre and Probiotic Mist (Toner) 3. Live Botanical Hyarloaunic Acid Serum 4. True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (my absolute favorite skincare product)

Extras: 1. True Botanicals Cellular Repair Serum 2. True Botanicals Antioxidant Powder 3. Marie Veronique Intensive Repair Serum

Read about my routine, here. 

Practice 6: Manage Stress

Stress impacts our skin (premature aging, breakouts, etc.), weight, and gut. 

Here’s what I’ve found helps me manage stress: daily movement (I go to a barre class once a week, kickboxing twice a week, and stretch each morning), nightly reading (something I love), meal prepping (this is huge for reducing my weekly stress levels), delegating tasks (I don’t have to do “all the things”), having established routines for essential chores (laundry, kids going to school, meal planning) and waking up each morning before the kids. And one more thing, getting away helps to reduce my stress. Even if this is just an evening at the beach, or a day trip to a local park on the weekend, or maybe a pedicure appointment. There’s something about stepping away from the responsibilities of life (laundry, dishes, the calendar) with my family (or without, if I really need some alone time) that allows me to breathe, refocus, and feel refreshed. Taking time to do this–particularly as a mother- isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Learn more about managing stress and self-care in this podcast episode. 

Do you know what else causes stress? Being overly-healthy. Yep, over-exercising, worrying about food, and trying to be perfect (i.e. cooking the perfect meal every night, having a Pinterest-perfect home, etc.). Let those things go. Move your body, but don’t stress yourself out. Eat real food, but don’t be that organic-all-things worrier. And realize that no one is perfect. I’m preaching to myself here, too.

In addition to lifestyle changes, my functional medicine doctor suggested (based on a hormone test from Access which found that my adrenals were “being taxed” and my cortisol levels were “off the charts”) that I take ashwagandha three times a day. Learn more about naturally treating a hormone imbalance in this podcast episode. 

Practice 7: Hydrate

Drink water! It’s that simple. Occasionally, I’ll add a pinch of mineral salt (Real Salt brand) for the trace minerals and/or lemon (for flavor). But most of the time, plain ol’ water is my go-to drink. I keep my reusable water bottle with me at all times, and refill it throughout the day. When I’m not drinking enough water during the day, my skin looks and feels different. To start the day, I drink 1-2 big glasses of water before enjoying coffee.

Are there any practices that impact your skin health? We are all so unique, including what works best for our skin–whether that’s food, supplements, or skincare products. I would love to hear about your essential practices.

The post 7 Natural Practices That Improve My Skin (My Adult Acne Journey) appeared first on Live Simply.

I welcome this shift. This means that I now have more time to do other things, like make homemade meals or spend time with my family. Minutes add up! 

Now, I can walk into Target (just one example) and find some incredible skincare options. Target! A store that once sold only toxic skincare products now proudly sells brands like W3LL People (lovely makeup), Meow Meow Tweet (natural deodorant), S.W. Basics, and Acure (fantastic products, ranging from facial products to shampoo).

With that said, I still love dabbling with homemade products and sharing them on the blog. Knowing how to make something, along with knowing how to purchase clean products is a gift. A gift that empowers the consumer (that’s you and me).  A gift that I feel strongly about sharing here on Live Simply.

If you’d like to take the homemade route with skincare (which can be more budget-friendly), I recommend downloading my body care book. I poured all my knowledge into this resource–thanks to experimenting on my own skin, receiving feedback from reader friends, and exploring research.

If you want to go the store-bought route (which can be more of a time-saver), know that there are amazing products out there that make this 100% possible. You don’t have to use toxic skincare products. In my book, I created lists detailing my favorite products, from shampoo and toothpaste to makeup and cleansers. It’s all in there.

I’ve also been sharing a monthly series on the blog called, Switching to Natural Products. In this series, I share my favorite natural products (homemade and store-bought). So far we’ve talked about deodorant, toothpaste, dish and dishwasher soap, all-purpose cleaner spray. Along with sharing my picks, reader friends also chime in with product suggestions. I love that!

Will you step inside my bathroom and let me show you what I’m currently using on my skin? After I share, I would love to hear about your skincare routine via the comment section below this post.

Cleanser

I have three favorite store-bought cleansers right now. Each one varies in price and accessibility. It’s not uncommon to find me switching between these cleansers, because I truly enjoy each of them.

• True Botanicals Clear Hydrating Cleanser: This one is expensive, along with every True Botanicals product. But the True Botanicals line is simply amazing. I love the gentleness of this product and the consistency (a cream-like cleanser). The only thing that keeps me from using this cleanser consistently is the price.
• Luminance Skincare Delicate Facial Cleanser: This one is a soap-based cleaner. It reminds me a lot of my homemade basic face wash recipe. I love Luminance Skincare, and their products have all worked very well on my skin.
• Evanhealy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk: I just recently purchased this product after looking for a cleanser at Whole Foods. I have tried a number of cleansers from retail stores, and just haven’t found anything I love. This product is different. It reminds me a lot of the True Botanicals Cleanser (a creamy consistency and gentle feel on the skin). This is what I’m currently using and absolutely loving!

Cleansers don’t fully remove makeup, so if I’m wearing full-coverage makeup I use a makeup remover before cleaning. I go between two makeup removers: 100% oil (usually olive oil) or these makeup remover pads.

Toner 

If you’ve been around Live Simply, you know that I’ve experimented with a number of different toner options. A toner helps to balance the pH of the skin after cleansing. I love rose water and (non-alcohol based) witch hazel. Quality rose water is expensive, so to cut back on my skincare expenses I’ve been using witch hazel (Thayer’s brand) as a toner.

Moisturizer

My favorite moisturizer is from Luminance Skincare, Hydration. This moisturizer is lightweight and hydrating. I also love the Acure line of Day Cream and Night Cream (Target or Whole Foods).

Exfoliator and Mask

My goal is to exfoliate my face twice a week. Exfoliating helps my skin glow by sloughing off dead skin cells, and also improves the overall performance of other products used on my face. My favorite store-bought exfoliator is Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub. My other go-to product is this homemade baking soda exfoliator.

Homemade masks are my jam. (It’s still okay to say “my jam” in 2018, right?!) My goal is to mask once or twice a week. I have three favorite masks at the moment:

• Honey, Aloe, Clay Mask: This is my go-to mask. It’s all the things I want in a facial mask. And I always have the ingredients in my pantry and bathroom closet.
• Spirulina Mask:  I usually combine spirulina powder (found in the herb section at health food stores, or purchased online–also great in smoothies) with honey and aloe. I love the brightening power of this mask.
• Yogurt and Honey: Clearly I have a thing for honey in face masks, and for good reason. Honey can help hydrate the skin, and it offers antibacterial properties. Plain yogurt is a probiotic-rich food, and probiotics are a tremendous way to boost any skincare routine. Plus, yogurt is rich in lactic acid (alpha hydroxy acids), which is a powerful ingredient used to combat acne and signs of aging.

Sunscreen 

I live in Florida, the sun capital of the world. For this reason, I use a sunscreen every single day. I haven’t always used sunscreen on my face, which is very evident by the darker spots speckled across my forehead. Live and learn to do better.

My favorite sunscreen (for the face) is from Luminance Skincare.

Extra Products

Since turning 30 a few years ago (and taking the pledge to take care of myself), I’ve been taking my skincare routine very seriously. I’ve also been working on adding or taking away products based on my skin’s current needs. I just recently ordered two new products to complement my skincare routine. Here are two new products I’ve added to my skincare routine.

• Mahina Evening Replenishing Elixir from Leahlani Skincare:  I’ve been using this serum for over a month and love it. I plan to continue using this serum at night, after toner and before my moisturizer.
• Jade Roller: I started using a jade roller at night after applying the Mahina Elixir (mentioned above). After a month of using this tool, I’m in love. It’s helped to improve the overall condition of my skin and bring down inflammation or puffiness, including a giant pimple that appeared a few weeks ago on my cheek. I’ve read that a jade roller also helps to improve the performance of serums. I purchased my roller from a local store. There are a lot of options on Amazon, just check the reviews before purchasing.

• Morning: Upon waking, splash face with water. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen oil. Apply makeup, if wearing.  You can peek inside my makeup bag over here.
• Evening: Before bed, remove makeup (if wearing), wash face with cleanser, apply toner with pad, apply elixir/serum, use jade roller, and apply a moisturizer.
• Extras: Twice a week I apply a mask or exfoliate after cleansing my face in the evening and then follow-up with the remaining steps in my skincare routine.

The post My All-Natural Skincare Products and Routine (Updated) appeared first on Live Simply.

We decided this year to keep things really simple, making just a couple of handmade gifts for our closest family and friends. And instead of going crazy with presents for the kids, we purchased just one item for each of them (Piper, Legos. Londyn, a new bed comforter.), along with giving them the gift of travel.

Instead of focusing on crossing off a to-do list the week before Christmas, I created an advent calendar to help us enjoy a daily activity of togetherness or kindness in the days leading up to Christmas. The advent calendar has brought intentionality to the past 19 days, and allowed us to enjoy a piece of Christmas each day. I’ll definitely make an advent calendar again next year. My family has loved the activities on the calendar, and I feel like Christmas has been extra special, simple, and intentional this year because of this calendar.

Before Christmas Day, I want to share two more recipes with you: a seasonal mask and a seasonal quick bread. These recipes will be the last two recipes shared on Live Simply in 2017.

At the end of each year, between Christmas and the start of the new year, I take a short break from the blog to spend time with my family and focus on the future of the blog in the new year.

In 2018, Live Simply will be five years-old, which is incredible for a blog. It takes a lot of work to consistently publish blog content, interact on social media, share my life via Instagram Stories, and develop quality recipes that work. I love every second of this work. I also look forward to a break away from my computer and kitchen. The holiday season is the perfect time for me to do this. It’s a wonderful time for me to rest, recharge, and refocus.

I’m not going on break just yet, so let’s chat about today’s recipe. It’s a good one…

Today’s recipe, a do-it-yourself seasonal facial mask, is the perfect way to practice caring for yourself during the holiday season. This face mask is made with cacao powder (AKA: chocolate), the same ingredient used to make homemade hot chocolate. Cacao is rich in antioxidants. Yogurt is added to help exfoliate the skin. Honey is added to help hydrate the skin. Finally, peppermint essential oil adds a seasonal scent and warm tingle to the mask. <–It’s my favorite part!

Yes, I know what you’re thinking…

It’s true…

You can eat this mask.

It looks just like chocolate pudding and it does taste amazing. I personally don’t recommend ingesting essential oils (no matter what brand you choose to use), but everything else is 100% edible. When is the last time you purchased a mask from the store that made that claim?

The next time you’re making homemade hot chocolate to share with your family, why not also make yourself a face mask? Hot chocolate and a chocolate face mask. That sounds like an incredible way to treat yourself for the holidays.

Print

Seasonal Facial Mask: Winter Minty Mocha Mask

A seasonal face mask made with cacao powder, yogurt, and honey. A hydrating and exfoliating mask that's rich in antioxidants. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty

Keyword Seasonal Facial Mask

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 mask applications

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 2 TB cacao powder or cocoa powder
• 2 TB plain whole milk yogurt or heavy cream will work, just reduce amount slightly
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil

Special Equipment:

• small bowl

Instructions

• Add the cacao powder, yogurt, and honey to a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Add the essential oil, and stir.

To Use:

• Apply the mask to the face using your fingers or a brush. Allow the mask to rest on your face for 5-10 minutes, until it begins to dry. Rinse with a warm, damp washcloth. I like to follow-up with toner and moisturizer. 

Notes

This recipe makes enough for two mask applications. Use a portion of the mask and store the rest in an air-tight container in the fridge. Use the mask within 4-5 days. 

If you don't have any peppermint essential oil, skip it. It definitely adds to the experience, but you can still make a beneficial mask without it. 

 

The post Seasonal Facial Mask: Winter Minty Mocha Mask appeared first on Live Simply.

As time went on, I began to learn about more expensive skincare products that promised all sorts of results: clear skin, a flawless look, the perfect glow. You know, all the messages marketers feed women on a daily basis. I ate them right up. I began to question my current skincare “routine” and started purchasing these fancier products (despite living on a budget that didn’t quite have the wiggle room for these products).

Fast forward a few years. I was a bit older, wiser, and now on a journey to eat real food. After making changes to what and how we ate, I began questioning the fancy products used on my skin.

It was also during this time that I gave birth to my first child (Piper) and then two years later my daughter (Londyn). My twenty-something body was going through some big changes, and soon my face became evidence of these changes. The clearer skin I took for granted was gone.

Meanwhile, as my skin (and body) cried out for extra attention, I was also trying to swap out the toxic products in my bathroom (which happened to be all the fancy soaps, moisturizers, and body products I was using) for more natural options.

I found out that my breakouts were due to a hormonal imbalance. As it turns out, having two babies back to back, starting a blog (and working through the night on it because, hello, passion doesn’t sleep) and taking self-care off my list of priorities (hello, new mom) all brewed into a disastrous, internal storm. A storm my face was accurately portraying.

Now that we’ve quickly recapped a decade of my skincare decisions, let’s talk about today and this avocado face mask recipe…

I’m now in my 30’s and have a deep respect for my skin and body. I’ve learned the importance, the hard way, of taking care of myself. For me, this looks like eating good (real) food and using quality, non-toxic skincare products on my body. There are also those added bonuses I’ve learned to incorporate into my life, like Pure Barre (exercise) a few times a week, reading/relaxation, going to bed early, and learning to say no to a maxed out schedule.

Quality skincare products don’t have to be super expensive ($100 is my grocery budget for the week, not my moisturizer budget) or fancy. In fact, the simplest of ingredients, which also happen to be the highest-quality ingredients, have become essential to my natural skincare routine.

Today’s recipe, an avocado face mask, is an example of how simple ingredients come together to create a quality, nourishing, inexpensive skincare treatment. The mask is made with leftover avocado (just a small amount is needed, so save a bit of avocado next time you’re making guacamole), oats, and honey. Avocado is loaded with healthy fat. Oats exfoliate and soothe the skin. And honey is just an all-around nourishing skincare ingredient that also helps to gently cleanse the skin.

Since I usually have a tub of clay sitting in my linen closet, clay tends to be my go-to ingredient for making an easy face mask. When I have an avocado sitting on my counter, or a bit of avocado leftover from a meal, this mask is a fun, simple, and inexpensive treat for my skin. A treat that always leaves my skin feeling cleansed, smooth, and refreshed.

Print

Exfoliating Avocado Face Mask

A simple, real food-inspired face mask made with leftover avocado, rolled oats, and honey. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty

Keyword Avocado Face Mask

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 face mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1-2 tsp old-fashioned rolled oats *
• 1/4 small avocado such as, a hass avocado**
• 1 tsp honey

Special Equipment:

• small bowl
• spice grinder

Instructions

• Pulse the oats in a spice grinder until they resemble a fine powder/flour (about 30-60 seconds). 
• In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Add the honey and ground oats, and stir to thoroughly combine. Use immeadiately as a face mask. 

To Use:

• Apply the mask all over a clean face (and neck or chest, if desired) with clean fingers or a brush. Let the mask rest for 10 minutes, and then rise with clean water and a washcloth. I like to follow-up with my moisturizer. I recommend applying and rinsing this mask off in the kitchen--it is messy. 

The post Exfoliating Avocado Face Mask (a real food-based facial mask) appeared first on Live Simply.